NJ’s Longtime State Geologist Jeff Hoffman Retires
Hoffman Capably Led NJ DEP’s Water Supply Planning And Geologic Science For Years
I just learned that NJ’s longtime State Geologist, Jeffrey Hoffman has retired, effective December 1.
As State Geologist, Jeff managed several critical DEP water resource protection (water quantity and water quality) and geological science programs of the NJ Geological Survey
These programs included everything from mapping old mine sites, designating “critical” water supply aquifers, analyzing and allocating groundwater, determining the “safe yield” of watersheds, drought monitoring and management, to crafting the NJ Water Supply Plan, to fundamental geological and hydrological science of NJ’s aquifers.
That work was not only scientifically complex and had huge implications for the environment and economy, but was often politically controversial as well. Jeff navigated those controversies extremely well and with a people friendly demeanor. He was a nice guy.
NJ’s water resources are better off as a result of Jeff work, and that is something to be very proud of.
On a personal note, I’m sorry to say that I can’t recall when Jeff was appointed State Geologist (a hugely important position established in Legislation). But I know it was at least 20 years ago, as I recall working with him during the McGreevey DEP on the Highlands Act and implementing regulations (circa 2002).
[Correction: I just learned that Hoffman was appointed State Geologist by Gov. Christie in 2015, so my work with him was prior to that. He began at DEP in 1981, I began at DEP in 1985.]
Jeff strongly opposed the concept of “deep aquifer recharge” I advocated and ultimately got incorporated in the Highlands Act. That science and policy concept is the scientific foundation for the DEP’s extremely stringent development septic density standards, which are based on a “non-degradation standard” to protect groundwater and thereby significantly limit new development.
Jeff took the position that the concept was not well developed and was not adequately supported by the scientific literature. He recommended minor tweaks to then current NJ Geological Survey science and methods. I countered that the science was uncertain but was more than adequate to support a policy decision to be made by the legislature, not DEP regulators.
Thankfully I won that internal debate, despite the fact the DEP Commissioner Campbell agreed with Hoffman’s recommendation.
Over the years, we also locked horns on major battles, including the Christie DEP rollbacks of the Highlands regulations (baed on misinterpretations and misrepresentation of NJGS science) and various iterations and updates of the Statewide Water Supply Plan over many years.
Jeff was a competent and hard working professional and a good man to work with. He will be missed.